This week I want to share my love for country music with you, back when it was really country music. One of the great joys I  had in all my years in radio, both rock and roll and country, were the years I spent being part of the country music scene as a dee jay, concert promoter, booking agent and talent manager from the mid 60’s to the late 70’s. It afforded me some of the greatest memories and friendships that I will cherish forever.

While there is still some good country music performers today, it doesn’t come close to the days when Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty, Faron Young, Tammy Wynette, Johnny Cash, Dotty West, Ray Price, Waylon Jennings, George Jones, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Charley Pride, Ronnie Milsap, Porter Wagoner and others ruled the roost in country music. The legacy of music they created is timeless and priceless.

Myself, my late wife Flo, Tammy and George backstage before a concert in New York.

Here are ten of my all time favorites, all of whom I was honored to work with and get to know, with my own personal comments.

Johnny Cash – What can you say about the man in black that hasn’t already been said? He was a trendsetter, he was man of many personalities, he was man of immense talent and he changed the way some people looked at country music. Our connection came in New York City when he and wife June were doing an NBC-TV special and he was real as rain. Away from music Johnny was an avid model railroader with a huge collection and set up. Listen to him doing “This Old Flag” and you will realize just how special he was.

Patsy Cline – It was 1961 in West Virginia when I introduced her at a couple of live shows. Like most, Patsy came from very humble beginnings, but her voice had a very special quality to it. She told it like it was, didn’t conform to many rules, but when she was on stage singing there was no one else like her. She was blessed with a voice that could have done anything from country to Broadway and her songs crossed over to the pop charts. Songs like “She’s Got You” say it all. Too bad all of that talent was taken away from us way to early.

Merle Haggard – When he was young he was defiant and spent time in prison. But Merle was able to hone his talents as a singer and performer and become a multi million selling artist and Hall of Famer. He was on the shy side, but had a soft, engaging way about him. His songs told stories, almost all of them from true experiences. Give a listen to “Mama Tried” and that is the real Merle Haggard in life and in song.

George Jones – Nobody had a voice like George then, or now. You could hear the pain or joy, the happiness or sorrow in every song. He had his problems with booze and pills that created his nickname of “No Show Jones” and also caused his split from Tammy Wynette. But when George was straight, there was nobody like him. Listen to his incredible mega hit, “He Stopped Loving Her Today”. That was the real and true George Jones at his very best.

Loretta Lynn – We all know her story, the movie of her life and the pitfalls along the way. Yet she never gave up, continued to break barriers, change the course of country music for women and write songs that told it like it is. Just check some of the titles of her hits, she was the real deal in every way on and off stage. My few times in her presence were friendly, fun, gracious and heartwarming. There were many songs, but for me “Coal Miner’s Daughter” will always stand out as the best because the story was true life put to music as only she could do it. Loretta was one of a kind.

Willie Nelson – I first worked with Willie back in the mid 60’s when he had normal hair and wore a suit and tie. But that voice, his way with a guitar, the songs and lyrics he wrote you knew then this was a future star and Hall of Famer. When Patsy Cline recorded his song “Crazy” that started this incredible career of his that has never let up to this day. Now at 91, he is still making music special for fans of all ages. By the way, Willie is the only one on this list who is still with us today.

Charlie Pride – I will never forget him and the reaction of an audience at a show we did back in the 60’s. No one knew he was black as RCA did not put his picture on the record sleeve. The audience cheered and clapped and as he walked out on stage it suddenly became deathly quiet from the shock. Once he began to sing, they were on their feet wanting more and more and a twenty minute gig turned into an hour!. His mega  hit “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'” even crossed over to the pop charts. He was a very special man in many ways.

Marty Robbins – He was one of the first country artists to crossover to the rock/pop field with his song “A White Sport Coat” in the 50’s. He then followed with songs like “El Paso” and more. He garnered gold records, Grammy’s, countless awards throughout his great career until he passed away in 1982. The first time we met for a show in 1972, we instantly became good friends. He was an outgoing, friendly man with a unique story telling style that covered more than just country making him one of the best. In addition, Marty was also a big time NASCAR driver/racer for a number of years.

Tammy Wynette – Tammy was a very complex lady and I had the pleasure of working with her and George several times in the 70’s. Putting up with George, divorcing him, going through her own troubles, Tammy still managed to be as sweet as they come. When she performed she left it all on stage with a voice that could make you laugh or cry.  There were many songs I could select, but for me “Stand By Your Man” resonates as well as any song she did. She had a way with a lyric that few females could match and to me, will always be one of country’s top female performers of all time.

Conway Twitty – He turned down a ML baseball contract with the Phillies for  music, and hit a home run with “It’s Only Make Believe”. As a country artist with million sellers, number ones, duets with Loretta, it set Conway apart from all others. As for one of his best, there are many, but   “Hello Darlin’ ” is Conway. He was another I had the pleasure of working with in late 60’s and early 70’s. He was a joy to be around and loved talking baseball. He even became a part owner of the minor league Nashville Sounds. His talents were far reaching and he left behind quite a legacy.

I could have added ten more with ease from those great years I was privileged to be part of. Maybe there will be a part two at some point. I hope you enjoy this trip down country music’s memory lane as much as did reliving it and putting it together for you enjoyment.

Art Koch, National Features & DVD Editor, NightMoves Magazine and AAN